The Black Archives in Amsterdam Explored the Revolutionary Legacy of Hermina and Otto Huiswoud
The Black Archives in Amsterdam previously hosted the significant exhibition, Black & Revolutionary: The Story of Hermina and Otto Huiswoud. This showcase, which opened on November 25 and ran until February 24, 2018, brought to light the previously overlooked narratives of Black communists Hermina and Otto Huiswoud, reflecting The Black Archives' mission to uncover hidden histories within the Netherlands and beyond.
Unveiling Hidden Histories in Amsterdam
The exhibition served as a prime example of the vital work undertaken by activists to establish The Black Archives. It navigated the journey of Hermina and Otto Huiswoud, tracing their dedicated fight for social and economic equality. Hailing from Suriname and British Guiana, the couple migrated to New York in the 1910s, joining many other Caribbean migrants escaping colonial hardship. It was in Harlem that they encountered revolutionary ideas that would shape their lives.
Otto Huiswoud quickly became involved with the Socialist Party of America, co-founding its left wing with Dutch revolutionaries like Sebald Rutgers. In 1919, he stood as the sole Black member involved in establishing the Communist Party of the United States. His and Hermina's activism soon expanded globally.
The Global Fight for Equality
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Otto and Hermina Huiswoud traveled extensively, championing anti-colonialism and advocating for a worldwide workers' revolution. From Moscow in the 1930s, they edited The Negro Worker, a publication that provided a platform for activists of African descent to discuss critical issues such as colonialism, capitalism, and racism. The exhibition also featured a collage of FBI reports detailing the extensive surveillance American authorities conducted on the Huiswouds' activities. Otto Huiswoud was notably interned in Suriname in 1941, alongside other communists during the war.
A Look Inside the Exhibition
Beyond chronicling the well-documented story of the Huiswouds, the exhibition integrated various artworks and archival pieces. These elements compellingly illustrated the long and ongoing history of anti-racist activism. Portraits of activists, created by Iris Kensmil during an anti-Zwarte Piet demonstration, adorned the walls, connecting historical struggles with contemporary movements.
Among the interesting artifacts on display was a 1952 edition of the Frisian magazine De Tsjerne, which called for solidarity with Surinamese people, arguing that both groups faced suppression of their language and culture. Another notable item was a 1952 issue of De Westindiër, a publication by people of Caribbean descent, which proposed the concept of a Black Sinterklaas and a white Zwarte Piet. Additionally, visitors could view other artworks by Brian Elstak and Raul Balai located throughout The Black Archives building (theblackarchives.nl).
The essence of The Black Archives lies in its ability to bring forth these hidden stories of Black history, previously confined to personal archives. The narrative of Black communists like the Huiswouds is crucial, highlighting the intersection of Black activism and socialist movements, particularly in the United States and the Caribbean. Figures such as the Surinamese anti-colonial and resistance fighter Anton de Kom also shared communist affiliations, underscoring the depth of these interconnected histories.
For those interested in discovering more cultural institutions dedicated to social history or exploring museums in the city, Musemap (musemap.art) offers a platform to browse other museums and unique cultural spots that tell impactful stories.
